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Entry Level Social Worker Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

City of Alexandria

Family Services Specialist I

Wise, VA · On-site

Title Description- Family Services Specialist I represents the entry level employees working under ... Knowledge- Some knowledge of: social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational ...

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All JobsSocial Worker JobsEntry Level Social Worker JobsEntry Level Social Worker Jobs in Virginia

Entry Level Social Worker information

See Virginia salary details

$34.2K

$75.6K

$116K

How much do entry level social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level social worker in Virginia is $75,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $90,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges entry level social workers face when starting out, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level social workers often encounter challenges such as managing large caseloads, dealing with emotionally charged situations, and navigating complex systems like healthcare or social services. Building strong time management and self-care strategies is essential for preventing burnout. New social workers should seek mentorship, participate in regular supervision, and take advantage of training opportunities to develop their skills and resilience. Open communication with colleagues and supervisors also helps build a supportive network for problem-solving and professional growth.

What is the difference between Entry Level Social Worker vs Case Manager?

AspectEntry Level Social WorkerCase Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in social work or related fieldBachelor's degree often preferred; social work background beneficial
Work EnvironmentHospitals, schools, community agenciesHealthcare facilities, social service agencies, community programs
Employer & Industry UsagePublic and private social service organizationsHealthcare providers, insurance companies, social service agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Social Workers and Case Managers often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, focusing on supporting clients and coordinating services. While social workers may handle more complex cases and advocacy, case managers primarily coordinate care and resources. Both roles are essential in social services, with overlapping skills and settings, making them common points of comparison for job seekers.

What is an entry level social worker?

Entry level social workers are professionals who have recently entered the field of social work, often holding a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) or a related field. They typically assist clients in managing challenges related to mental health, family, housing, or employment under the supervision of experienced social workers. Their responsibilities often include assessing client needs, connecting clients to resources, and providing support or advocacy. Entry level social workers may work in settings such as schools, hospitals, community organizations, or government agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level social worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Social Worker, you generally need a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, along with foundational knowledge of case management and social services. Familiarity with client management databases, documentation systems, and possibly state licensure or certification is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal communication, empathy, and organizational skills help you build trust and effectively advocate for clients. These skills and qualifications are crucial for providing effective support, managing caseloads, and navigating complex social service environments.
More about Entry Level Social Worker jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Social Worker jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Social Worker jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Social Worker jobs in Virginia?

For Entry Level Social Worker jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Social Worker jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Social Worker jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Social Worker jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Social Worker job openings:

Entry Level Social Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Social Worker job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 30% Full Time, and 70% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,611 per year, or $36.4 per hour.

Social Worker (BHIP Psychotherapist)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Chesapeake, VA

$70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

This position is located within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), VA Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6), Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center (HVAMC), under the Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Service Line. This Social Work Psychotherapist position is aligned with the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program/Outpatient Mental Health Services and and provides psychotherapy services, intakes, and crisis intervention in a team context.
Qualifications:This is a multi-disciplinary position which may be filled by any of the following series: LICENSED PROFESSIONAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR (0183), PSYCHOLOGIST (0180), or SOCIAL WORK THERAPIST (0185).
Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
  • Education: Have a master's degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates of schools of social work that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the School of Social Work is fully accredited. A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master's degree in social work. Verification of the degree can be made by going to http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation to verify that the social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a masters of social work.
  • Licensure: Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-0185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level.
    • Exception. VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification examinations. This exception only applies at the GS-9 grade level. For the GS-11 grade level and above, the candidate must be licensed or certified. At the time of appointment, the supervisor, chief social work or social work executive will provide the unlicensed/uncertified social worker with the written requirements for licensure or certification, including the time by which the license or certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming licensed or certified by the deadline.
      • For appointments at the GS-9 grade level, VHA social workers who are not licensed or certified at the time of appointment must become licensed or certified at the independent, master's level within three years of their appointment as a social worker. Most states require two years of post-MSW experience as a prerequisite to taking the licensure/certification exam, and VHA gives social workers one additional year to pass the licensure/certification exam. In states such as California, Washington, and others where the prerequisites for licensure exceed two years, social workers must become licensed at the independent, master's level within one year of meeting the full state prerequisites for licensure.
      • A social worker who does not yet have a license that allows independent practice must be supervised by a licensed independent practitioner of the same discipline who is a VA staff member and who has access to the electronic health record.
    • Failure to Obtain License or Certification: In all cases, social workers must actively pursue meeting state prerequisites for licensure or certification starting from the date of their appointment. Failure to become licensed or certified within the prescribed amount of time will result in removal from the GS-0185 social worker series and may result in termination of employment.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
GS-9 Experience, Education and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements.
Entry Level Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-9 grade level social workers are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised, as they are not yet functioning at the independent practice level conferred by independent licensure or certification.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • Ability to utilize a Veteran centric approach when providing interventions and counseling for Veterans, their family members, caregivers, and survivors.
  • Ability to assess the psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and their family members, and to formulate and implement a treatment plan, identifying the Veterans problems, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills, and assistance needed.
  • Ability to implement treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups to achieve treatment goals. This requires judgment and skill in utilizing supportive, problem solving, or crisis intervention techniques
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and representatives of community agencies.
  • Fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures. This includes acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses/injuries; common medications and their effects/side effects; and medical terminology.

GS-11 Experience and Licensure. Appointment to the GS-11 grade level requires completion of a minimum of one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the field of health care or other social work-related settings, (VA or non-VA experience) and licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level.
OR
Education. In addition to meeting basic requirements, a doctoral degree in social work from a school of social work may be substituted for the required one year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services.
  • Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational and other diversified backgrounds.
  • Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities and treatment procedures (i.e. acute, chronic and traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications and their effects/side effects, and medical terminology) to formulate a treatment plan.
  • Skill in independently implementing different treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical, and social problems to achieve treatment goals.
  • Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers, social work graduate students, and other staff about the psychosocial needs of patients and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and compliance with treatment.
GS-11 is the full performance level. Social workers at this level are licensed or certified to independently practice social work. Incumbents are assigned to all program areas, including but not limited to: inpatient or outpatient medicine, surgery, mental health, neurology, rehabilitation medicine, and geriatrics. Employees provide professional, independent social work services in the assigned area.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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